Julie Baird

I hope I'm not breaking rules. On my website I've got a page about features that I like on my sewing machine and also have a survey for quilters to give input on what they think is necessary.

I second the thought of visiting the sewing machine dealers. Test drive the machine on things you'd work on with your own fabrics. Not only will you be test driving the possibilities, but also test driving the dealer. Are they helpful? Or was it a nuisance for them to work with you? (Not a good sign, especially if you're ready to spend money!) Did the person helping you understand the workings of the machine...she/he may be the one giving the lessons on the machine. A lot can be learned about not just the machine at these visits.

Good luck to you, hope the information helps!

Julie Baird

JudeWill

I got my Bernina 730 2 yrs ago. I previously had a Pfaff 1222, which I loved. The only reason I went to a Bernina was because it is sold locally. I would have had to drive 50 mi. to take the lessons on the Pfaff. I am very happy with my Bernina, but if I had known how much I was going to miss the built-in walking foot on my Pfaff, I would have stuck with the Pfaff. I believe the new Bernina has that feature. If I had only waited a few months to buy my machine.......Story of my life--too late or too early! :? Good luck and a word of advice--take your time deciding. Another thing--I really kind of wish I had gotten two machines--one just for embroidery and one for all other sewing. Now I want a light-weight reg. machine that I can take to class. I'm considering a Brother 2600.

Marylou

I too love my Janome 6600P. The only feature it is missing is a sound when the bobbin runs dry, but I can live with that. Marylou

nitakhoops

What is needle up/down? My machine is 45 yo and all I can make go up and down is the presser foot....thx!

Julie Baird

Needle up/down is a feature that allows you to select the position the needle stops in when you release the foot pedal or gas, i.e. if you select "needle down" when you take your foot off the "gas" the machine stops with the needle down in the fabric...always, no extra tap on the foot pedal.

When I got my Viking D1, that feature in combination with a pivot feature was absolutely amazing. With a pivot feature, when you take your foot off the gas, the presser foot lifts up about half way, making chain piecing even faster. Add the "needle down" to it and its like having an extra hand. Cool beans!

Those two features are "must haves" on my list if you were to buy a new machine.

Julie

brushandthimble

first question to ask yourself is what is your budget?
Each special item increases your price point. I taught my nieces last year to quilt, and helped them buy their first machine. katie who used my elna, wanted the variable speed button, and think everyone should have the needle down option. They went with a Janome Gold, perfect for taking to class, way to small for me:)
The Janome 6600P is my dream, but I think I will forgo. I have the Elna Quilters dream (approx 10 yrs old?) and brother innovis 4000D:)

Judith

What model do you have? I am in the market to get a new machine, love my old Pfaff but it IS old so would love your recommendations. Thanks

nitakhoops

Thx for the explanation...sounds like a good feature if I ever get a new machine! :lol:

jojo47

I also have a Pfaff, and love it.

jojo47

I have the Pfaff Expression 2038, and I've had it for two years. there is also an Expression 2048, which has more quilting stitches, but I get along just fine with the 2038's features.